French fries are oddly reserved for fancy steak houses and drive-thru windows, yet this beloved potato side could be homemade and stocked in the freezer for the next time a fry craving strikes. It only takes four steps to freeze, and then these fries can be baked (or fried if you’re a diehard fry fan) and eaten in less than 30 minutes.

Why freeze your own? My local grocer actually has a whole dedicated potato section of the freezer aisle. With a case filled with hash browns, tater tots, curly fries, and frozen french fries galore, you might be wondering why anyone would bother with making their own frozen fries. Freezing your own french fries is cheaper and gives you control over the ingredients, and because you cut the fries yourself, they can be exactly the size you prefer.

Ketchup for dipping is optional, but highly recommended. I like to make a mixture of Miracle Whip, ketchup and horseradish for a tangy zip alternative. others, may smother them with cheese or gravy. Either way, we can all admit. they are the best served side dish for kids of all ages.

Let’s begin to make our Freezer French Fries…

What you’ll need to make Freezer French Fries

INGREDIENTS

• 4 medium Russet potatoes (about 2 pounds total)
• 8 cups (2 quarts) water
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Peel and Cut

Rinse the potatoes and pat dry. Peel the potatoes, if desired. Cut the potatoes into 1/2-inch thick sticks or your desired thickness.

Blanch

Bring the water and salt to a boil over medium-high heat in a large pot. Add 1/4 of the potatoes and cook for 2 minutes. While the potatoes are cooking, prepare a large bowl of ice water. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to immediately move the blanched potatoes to the ice water bath. Repeat with blanching and cooling the remaining potatoes in 3 more batches.

Dry

Drain the chilled potatoes from the ice bath and lay them out in a single layer on paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Pat with more towels to dry completely. Place the fries and oil in a clean, dry large bowl and toss to combine.

Freeze

Place the fries in a single layer on a parchment paper-lined rimmed baking sheet and freeze until solid, 6 hours or overnight.

Bag and Store

Transfer the frozen fries to a gallon zip-top freezer bag. Label the bag with the contents and baking instructions and store in the freezer.

Bake

When ready to cook, bake on a rimmed baking sheet on the middle rack of a 425°F oven until golden brown, flipping the fries halfway through, 20 to 25 minutes total.

Enjoy

This all time favorite side dish will be ready at your finger tips when you plan ahead making them. Stash some freezer french fries away from your garden potatoes instead of putting whole tubers down in the cellar.